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History Fort Lauderdale (New River Inn)

4.6

·209 reviews·Fort Lauderdale, United States

Broward County's oldest hotel, now a museum showcasing Fort Lauderdale's history and local art.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturdays

Meet local artists

CrowdMedium

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History Fort Lauderdale (New River Inn)

Best Time

Saturdays

Meet local artists

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Broward County's oldest hotel, now a museum showcasing Fort Lauderdale's history and local art.

4.6

(209 reviews)

"A beautiful and authentic museum that has transformed into a history museum with impressive exhibits."

TIP

🎨 Explore Artist Studios

Visit the third floor to see local artists at work and browse their unique creations.

📚 Attend Author Events

Check for free book signings and talks by local authors.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 209 reviews

Type

Museum

Address

231 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301, USA

Website

historyfortlauderdale.org

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

New River Inn Exhibits

Main building

Explore the city's rich history through engaging exhibits housed in Broward County's oldest hotel.

Local Artist Studios

Third floor

Discover unique creations and meet local artists in their working studios.

Viva Fort Lauderdale Exhibit

Exhibition hall

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with vibrant displays showcasing local culture and history.

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Planning Your Visit

Uncover Fort Lauderdale's Past

Step back in time at History Fort Lauderdale, housed in Broward County's oldest hotel. Explore exhibits detailing the city's evolution and discover local art. Plan your visit to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this vibrant South Florida destination.

Art & History Intertwined

Experience a unique blend of history and art at the New River Inn. Browse fascinating historical exhibits and then explore the artist studios on the third floor. It's a perfect spot for history buffs and art lovers alike.

Best Times

When

Saturdays

Why

Meet local artists

Crowd

Medium

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Crowd

Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

If you’re visiting Fort Lauderdale Beach and don’t have a car, the City of Fort Lauderdale and local businesses have funded Circuit, a free shuttle service in Fort Lauderdale Beach. #florida #circuit #fortlauderdale #fortlauderdalebeach #fortlauderdalecircuit #uber #dontdrinkanddrive

@sarahrachelkagan

41.7K likes • 627.3K views

🎨 Explore Artist Studios

Visit the third floor to see local artists at work and browse their unique creations.

📚 Attend Author Events

Check for free book signings and talks by local authors.

This Fort Lauderdale Rooftop Bar rotates 360 degrees 😳🥂 Pier Top Lounge 📍2301 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale Follow me for all things Fort Lauderdale! #fortlauderdale #ftlauderdale #broward #rooftopbar

@thebrowardscene

20.5K likes • 333.5K views

A little tour of what's currently in my studio on the third floor of the New River Inn history museum, in downtown Fort Lauderdale. I'm here noon-4pm every Saturday -- come by for a visit! There are 6 different art studios up here that you can browse. (Video edited and partly shot by Ellery Andrews of @ftlhistory -- thanks Ellery!)😄🌿

stephaniemcmillan.art

19 likes • 136 views

👻 Join a Ghost Tour

Experience a paranormal investigation of the historic, reportedly haunted, New River Inn.

🚶‍♀️ Accessible First Floor

The first floor is accessible, but check for elevator access to the second floor.

Join local author, Donn Colee, as he discusses his new book "Legends & Lore of Fort Lauderdale's New River"! Donn will be presenting at the New River Inn on Jan. 17th at 6PM. Stop by for this FREE event with drinks and lite bites! Register on Eventbrite! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/469174953917 #history #museum #local #author #localauthor #books #culture #art #visit #fortlauderdale #localstor...

ftlhistory

14 likes • 275 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎨 Explore Artist Studios

Visit the third floor to see local artists at work and browse their unique creations.

📚 Attend Author Events

Check for free book signings and talks by local authors.

👻 Join a Ghost Tour

Experience a paranormal investigation of the historic, reportedly haunted, New River Inn.

🚶‍♀️ Accessible First Floor

The first floor is accessible, but check for elevator access to the second floor.

What Travellers Say

4.6

(209 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise History Fort Lauderdale for its authentic portrayal of the city's past and its unique blend of history and local art. The New River Inn setting is consistently highlighted as charming and atmospheric. While most reviews are positive, some mention accessibility concerns and occasional facility issues.

"This beautiful and authentic museum, which was once the first hotel in Fort Lauderdale, has transformed into a history museum. They have an impressive collection of exhibits that showcase the city’s rich history throughout the year. On the third floor, you’ll find artist studios where you can see the work of local artists. Currently, they have a fantastic exhibit called Viva Fort Lauderdale, which celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month and will be on display until October 19. It’s definitely worth visiting!"

Fran

"Beautiful old house on the New River...We attended a book signing by Frank Sullivan retired fire captain. I looked through the individual rooms. They are all different and fascinating. Items for purchase . 2nd floor. I didn't go up..next time !!"

Melissa Gessner

"Looked really interesting as I was walking by so I pooped in for a visit. Staff were friendly and the exhibit was really fascinating full of information about the history of the area and it's people. The artwork on display from local people was great as well.
Downstairs is fully accessible but I never saw a lift to get to the second floor.
There are restrooms on the 1st and second floor although when I visited the ground floor restrooms were out of order."

Lisa McKnight

What People Like

Authentic historical exhibits

Charming New River Inn setting

Local artist studios

What People Dislike

Occasional accessibility issues

Restroom maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

History Fort Lauderdale is located in downtown Fort Lauderdale. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, the 'Circuit' free shuttle service operates in the Fort Lauderdale Beach area, which might be a starting point for exploring further. Parking information should be checked locally, as downtown areas can have varied options.

Parking availability and cost can vary in downtown Fort Lauderdale. It's recommended to check local parking garages or street parking regulations before your visit. Some visitors mention looking into parking options when planning their trip.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees are generally reasonable, with specific pricing for general entry and special events like paranormal investigations. Some events, like author book signings, are advertised as free. +1

Opening hours can vary, especially for special events. It's best to check the official History Fort Lauderdale website or their social media for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and event schedules.

For special events like paranormal investigations or author talks, advance ticket purchase is often recommended or required. Check platforms like Eventbrite for specific event ticketing. +1

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore exhibits detailing Fort Lauderdale's history from the late 1800s to today, see local artwork in artist studios, and experience the charm of the historic New River Inn.

The New River Inn, part of History Fort Lauderdale, is reportedly haunted and hosts paranormal investigation events, offering a unique spooky experience. +2

Restrooms are available on the first and second floors, though one visitor noted the ground floor restrooms were out of order during their visit.

The first floor of History Fort Lauderdale is fully accessible. Information regarding elevator access to the second floor should be confirmed directly with the venue.

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While History Fort Lauderdale itself may not have a full-service restaurant, some events offer light bites and drinks. The surrounding downtown area offers numerous dining options to explore before or after your visit.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the museum and artist studios, but always be respectful of exhibits and artists. Check for any specific restrictions on professional photography.